The Canadian government has ordered the social media giant ByteDance to cease TikTok business operations in the country.

The industry minister closed TikTok’s offices in Toronto and Vancouver over security concerns, but Canadians can still download and use the app.

Following other countries' lead, including the United States, the government cracks down on the video-sharing app over national security concerns.

Canada’s government has taken bold steps to wind up TikTok’s business operations in the country — but without banning the app itself.

The order, which will allow people to still use the app, cited concerns about TikTok’s owner, the Chinese tech giant ByteDance.

In the wake of Canada’s decision to ban TikTok’s business operations over national security concerns, The National asks cybersecurity expert Brent Arnold and CBC’s national technology columnist Takara Small to break down the impacts for TikTok users and whether a full ban on the app is next.

The Canadian government has asked TikTok to shut down both its offices in the country citing national security concerns. However, it’s worth noting that this is not a ban on the app itself. Users in Canada will still be able to use TikTok.

The Canadian government has mandated the dissolution of TikTok's business within the country, highlighting national security risks as the primary concern, Reuters reported. However, the government clarified that Canadian users would retain access to the app for content creation and consumption.

Canada does not want TikTok. The government has ordered the company to cease its business operations within the country. Canada's Minister of Innovation and Science has confirmed that the app will not be blocked but is urging citizens to exercise caution.